Document-Based Questions

When writing the Document-Based Question Essay, Students must analyze 4 to 10 primary and secondary source documents under the guidance of an assigned comparative topic. A comparative topic asks students to compare two major themes represented within the primary and secondary sources through chronological order and/or cultural connectivity. Each Document-Based Question begins with a 10-minute reading period; students will have 40-minute writing period.

All documents are deemed IMPORTANT to the overall construction of the essay.
There is no one perfect way to align the source materials.


When writing, students must:


  • Use all Documents
  • Mention each individual document within the context of the topic [Don’t Just SUMMARIZE]
  • Make CONNECTIONS between the individual documents within context of the topic.
  • Cite individual documents, using author’s name or document number



Document-Based Question 3
Document-Based Question 2
Document-Based Question 1